Forester - Area Forester Northern Southeast Area

Position Overview

Forester 4 – Area Forester Northern Southeast Area (PCN 10-9246). Haines, Alaska.

This position manages the Haines State Forest and contributes to state land management in the Northern Southeast Area. Responsibilities include planning and implementing timber sale layouts, conducting timber cruising, developing contracts, and administering sales. The forester works independently and in small teams in remote and rural forests, documenting professional plans, directing timber sale purchasers and contractors, and influencing public and private stakeholders to protect the state’s interests.

The role also involves administering the Alaska Forest Practices Act on private land. Time is divided between office planning, fieldwork, and communication in both written and verbal forms to represent and resolve issues.

The Division of Forestry’s mission is to develop, conserve, and enhance Alaska’s forests to provide a sustainable supply of forest resources for residents. This includes superior forest management, wildland fire control, and cooperative forestry programs, with influence across ownership boundaries and alignment with best management practices.

Work in Southeast Alaska’s unique physical and cultural environment, including abundant forest and aquatic resources. Opportunity to shape contemporary forest management embracing a transition from old‑growth to young‑growth practices. Staffing is lean, offering broad exposure to multiple missions and room for long‑term growth and advancement. Seasonal schedules provide extended daylight opportunities during the summer.

The office is based in Haines with a two‑person team. Office time varies seasonally, but the field‑to‑office balance is roughly 50/50 throughout the year. Most field work occurs on the Haines State Forest; regional assignments may require travel from three days to two weeks. Accommodation is typically hotels or short‑term rentals in small communities.

• Self‑Management – sets realistic goals, works with minimal supervision, and demonstrates initiative and responsibility.
• Forest Management – understands silviculture, forest ecology, harvesting, inventories, regeneration, sustainability, and conservation.
• Geospatial Science – skills in collecting, storing, analyzing, visualizing, and distributing geographic data and maps.
• Analytical Thinking / Problem Solving – applies logical, systematic approaches to challenges and seeks resources as needed.
• Oral and Written Communication – conveys information effectively to diverse audiences and delivers clear, convincing presentations.

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field with at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours in forestry.
• AND either one year of professional advanced level experience (e.g., Forester
3) with the State of Alaska or equivalent, OR three years of professional journey level experience (e.g., Forester
2) with the State of Alaska or equivalent.

• Substitution:
Four years of post‑secondary education (minimum 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours) plus journey level experience in technical forest management, or certification from an accredited vocational school combined with three years of relevant experience.
• Certification via NWCG Incident Qualification Card within the preceding three years in any of the following:
Incident Commander Type 2 (ICT2), Planning Section Chief Type 2 (PSC2), Operations Section Chief Type 2 (OSC2), or Logistics Section Chief Type 2 (LSC2).

Closely related curricula and work experience include geosciences, geography, natural resources, environmental sciences, soils, hydrology, wildlife habitat management, forest engineering, remote sensing, vegetation classification, natural resource bi‑metrics, and wildland fire control.

• Valid driver’s license required; appropriate endorsements may be needed.
• "Red Card" qualification under the Incident Command System is generally required.

• Positions may require travel statewide for fire suppression assignments and may involve on‑stand‑by or recall status during the fire season. Absences from the duty station may last 14 to 21 days and may involve travel in small aircraft or helicopters.

Health professionals with disabilities requiring accommodation or assistance should contact 1‑800‑587‑0430 or (907) 465‑4095 in Juneau, or TTY:
Alaska Relay 711. The State of Alaska is an equal‑opportunity employer.

Hiring Manager:
Phone 907‑766‑2120

Employer:

State of Alaska
Address: PO Box 110201, Juneau, Alaska 99811
Statewide toll‑free: 1‑800‑587‑0430 (Juneau: 907‑465‑4095)